screws and nails

[wyoming]

I'm new to the forum, looked for something like this for a long time and stumbled onto it just surfing leather sites. Appreciate everyone's input. I would like to know what some of you are using for nails and screws in your saddles. I was taught to use # 10 oval head screws, but have seen some makers using a square drive screw similar to a sheetrock screw. I like the idea of a square drive. Does anyone know if these screws are available in stainless steel? How about stainless steel ringshank nails? Where can they be purchased? I was taught to use galvanized nails. They hold pretty well and won't rust, but have found that in some of the saddles I have repaired they don't hold up really well.

Thanks, John

[bruce johnson]

John,

The SS nails are available from a few sources on the net. Biggest problem is that most are whloeslae sellers and have a minimum total order and a 5# minimum per size/style. Sheridan Leather Outfitters sells the nails by the pound. They have ring shank, twist shank, etc. in a couple lengths. I still use the #10 oval head phillips screws. I haven't gone to square drive heads so haven't looked for them. I get my phillips from the local hardware store.

[TroyWest]

The screws you want are available in stainless. I use 'em and I like them also. The place to get them is in Lynchburg, Va.

McFeely's Square Drive Screws

1 800 443-7937

Call 'em and ask for a catalog, and welcome to the forum.

Troy West

[GordonA]

Hi John.

In Cody you can get screws from Fastenal out north of the Powel highway before you leave town,(can't think of the street name). McFeelys is also a great source. Sheridan Leather Outfitters in Sheridan, WY has stainless nails, (ring shank, twist & plain), sold by the pound and in different lengths. I also really like a ceramic coated star head screw that I get from the local Ace store in Cody. They are self tapping and hold very well.

Hope this helps.